Imaging device and control method

ABSTRACT

A function relating to communication of imaging data is assigned to an operational switch of an operating unit  32 . A control unit  310  switches a working mode of the assigned assignment function among a stop mode in which power supply to a communication unit  307  that communicates the imaging data is stopped, a standby mode in which standby is performed to enable the communication of the imaging data by supplying power to the communication unit  307 , and an executing mode in which the imaging data is communicated, depending on operational duration of the operational switch. In a case where the imaging data is not communicated, the assignment function is set to the stop mode, thereby realizing power saving. Further, the working mode of the assignment function can be switched depending on the operational duration of the operational switch, which improves the operability of an imaging device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is continuation application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/752,910, filed on Feb. 15, 2018, which is a U.S. NationalPhase of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2016/072033 filed onJul. 27, 2016, which claims priority benefit of Japanese PatentApplication No. JP 2015-175701 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Sep.7, 2015. Each of the above-referenced applications is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology relates to an imaging device, a control method therefor,and a program, and can realize power saving and improvement ofoperability.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, an imaging device has been provided with a function notonly for recording imaging data on a recording medium, but also fortransferring imaging data that has been in progress of imaging or beenimaged to a server or the like via a network. Further, such a technologyis disclosed that, regarding an electronic device having a communicationfunction, connection to a network is easy and unintended connection isnot implemented. For example, in Patent Literature 1, the use of awireless-communication interface is controlled depending on whether ornot a wired cable is connected to a wired-communication interface.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1:

-   JP 4922848B

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Incidentally, with a transfer function of imaging data provided for animaging device, power is consumed with a working for ensuring a stablecommunication path even in a case other than transferring the imagingdata. Therefore, in an imaging device driven by a battery, there is apossibility that the imaging-available time can be short. Further, withan imaging device not provided with a wired-communication interface, theuse of the wireless-communication interface cannot be controlleddepending on whether or not a wired cable is connected.

Accordingly, it is an object of the technology to provide an imagingdevice, a control method therefor, and a program which can realize thepower saving and the improvement of operability.

Solution to Problem

A first aspect of the technology is an imaging device including: anoperational switch, to which a function relating to communication ofimaging data is assigned, that is configured to switch a working mode ofan assigned assignment function; a communication unit that communicatesthe imaging data; and a control unit that switches the assignmentfunction among a stop mode in which power supply to the communicationunit is stopped, a standby mode in which standby is performed to enablethe communication of the imaging data by supplying power to thecommunication unit, and an executing mode in which the imaging data iscommunicated, depending on operational duration of the operationalswitch.

With the technology, a function relating to communication of imagingdata is assigned to an operational switch provided to an area on a sidesurface of a device main body that enters a field-of-view of a user,e.g., in response to removal of the user's eye from a view finder.Further, a working mode of an assignment function assigned to theoperational switch is switched depending on operational duration of theoperational switch. For example, when the operational duration of theoperational switch exceeds a preset threshold, the assignment functionis switched between a stop mode in which power supply to a communicationunit is stopped and a standby mode in which standby is performed toenable the communication of the imaging data by supplying power to thecommunication unit. Furthermore, when the operational duration is athreshold or less in the standby mode, switching is performed from thestandby mode to an executing mode in which the communication of theimaging data is performed, and switching is performed from the executingmode to the standby mode depending on an operation of the operationalswitch in the executing mode.

The assignment function of the operational switch can be changed, forexample, it is possible to select any of a function for acceptingcommunication function control from a receiving side of the imagingdata, a transfer processing function of the imaging data generated atend time of the imaging, a streaming transfer function of the imagingdata, and an editing function for editing a list showing the imagingdata as a transfer candidate in place of the communication of theimaging data.

Further, an illuminating unit is provided to the operational switch, andillumination of the operational switch is switched depending on theworking mode of the assignment function. For example, the illuminationis extinguished in a case of the stop mode, and the illumination isperformed with a first color in a case of the standby mode and with asecond color different from the first color in a case of the executingmode. Furthermore, the illumination is lit in the standby mode and theexecuting mode, and the illumination is flickered during mode switchingbetween the stop mode and the standby mode.

A second aspect of the technology is a control method of an imagingdevice, including: assigning a function relating to communication ofimaging data to an operational switch; and switching a working mode ofan assignment function assigned to the operational switch among a stopmode in which power supply to a communication unit that communicates theimaging data is stopped, a standby mode in which standby is performed toenable the communication of the imaging data by supplying power to thecommunication unit, and an executing mode in which the imaging data iscommunicated, depending on operational duration of the operationalswitch.

A third aspect of the technology is a program for causing a computer toexecute control of an imaging device, the program causing the computerto execute a procedure of switching a working mode of a functionrelating to communication of imaging data that is assigned to anoperational switch among a stop mode in which power supply to acommunication unit that communicates the imaging data is stopped, astandby mode in which standby is performed to enable the communicationof the imaging data by supplying power to the communication unit, and anexecuting mode in which the imaging data is communicated, depending onoperational duration of the operational switch.

Note that a program of the present technology is, for example, a programthat can be provided to a general-purpose computer capable of executingvarious program codes by a storage medium or communication medium forproviding a program in a computer readable form (for example, thestorage medium such as an optical disc, a magnetic disk, or asemiconductor memory or the communication medium such as a network).Such a program is provided in a computer readable form, and thereforeprocessing corresponding to the program is realized in a computer.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

With the technology, the function relating to communication of imagingdata is assigned to an operational switch. Further, depending onoperational duration of the operational switch, the working mode of theassigned function is switched among a stop mode in which power supply toa communication unit that communicates the imaging data is stopped, astandby mode in which standby is performed to enable the communicationof the imaging data by supplying power to the communication unit, and anexecuting mode in which the imaging data is communicated. Therefore, forexample, in a case where the imaging data is not communicated, powersaving can be realized by setting the working mode of the assignmentfunction to the stop mode. Further, the working mode of the assignmentfunction can be switched depending on the operational duration of theoperational switch, which improves the operability of the imagingdevice. Additionally, the effects described herein are merelyexemplified effects, but not limitative. There may also be additionaleffects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of external appearance of animaging device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram in which an operating unit provided on a front sideof a left side surface of the imaging device is enlarged.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between apress button switch and a user.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of theimaging device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between an operationof the press button switch and a working mode of an assignment function.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of switching of theworking mode of the assignment function.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinbelow, a description will be given to an embodiment of the presenttechnology. Note that the description will be given in the followingorder.

-   1. Configuration of external appearance of imaging device-   2. Functional configuration of imaging device-   3. Working of imaging device

<1. Configuration of External Appearance of Imaging Device>

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of external appearance of animaging device of the present technology, e.g., illustrating a left sidesurface of the imaging device.

An imaging device 10 includes a lens unit 20, a device main body 30, aview finder 60, a microphone 70, and the like.

The lens unit 20 is attached to a front surface of the device main body30. The lens unit 20 has an imaging lens that collects light from asubject and a zooming mechanism that varies an optical magnification ofthe imaging lens within a predetermined range, and the like.

A handle unit 33 is formed onto an upper surface of the device main body30. The handle unit 33 is provided so as to be gripped with the hand ofa user for holding the imaging device 10 when the user brings theimaging device 10 or uses the imaging device 10 at a low position. Theview finder 60 is provided to the left side surface on the front endside of the handle unit 33, and the microphone 70 is provided to theright side surface thereof. The view finder 60 displays a camera-throughimage, an image recorded on a recording medium, a menu image, variouskinds of information, and the like. The microphone 70 collects ambientsound and generates an audio signal.

A battery 80 for supplying power necessary for working the imagingdevice 10 is attached to a rear surface of the device main body 30.

An operating unit 32 a is provided on a front side of the left sidesurface of the device main body 30, and an operating unit 32 b isprovided on a rear side thereof. The operating unit 32 a includes anoperational switch to which a function is fixed in advance, anassignable switch as an operational switch to which the user can assignthe function, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram in which the operating unit provided on a front sideof the left side surface of the imaging device is enlarged. A pressbutton switch 321 of the operating unit 32 a is an assignable switch,and is provided to an area of a side surface of the device main bodythat enters a field-of-view of the user in response to removal of user'seye from the view finder 60. FIG. 3 illustrates a positionalrelationship between the press button switch and the user. For example,the press button switch 321 is provided to an area EA of a left sidesurface of the device main body 30 that enters a field-of-view FV of auser PL when the user PL removes the eye from an eye cup 61 of the viewfinder 60 and the left side surface of the device main body 30 entersthe field-of-view FV of the user PL. If the press button switch 321 isprovided to such a position, the user PL can easily check the positionof the press button switch 321 and the mode of the assignment function,which will be described later, without largely moving the position ofthe head at the imaging time. A function relating to the communicationof the imaging data is assigned to the press button switch 321, and theworking mode of the assigned assignment function is switched with aswitch pressing operation of the press button switch 321.

Further, not only the press button switch 321 but also press buttonswitches 322 and 324, slide switches 323, 325, and 326, operationalknobs 327 and 328, and the like are provided to the operating unit 32 a.It is possible to assign to the press button switches 322 and 324, forexample, any of a stereo/monaural switching function when the microphone70 is a stereo-microphone, a function for enabling deletion of a clipthat is imaged just before, a function for turning-on/off an automatictracing white balance working, a rec/review function, a function forstarting or stopping the recording, and the like. It is possible toassign, to the slide switch 323, any of the above-mentionedstereo/monaural switching function, a function for turning-on/off zebradisplay of the view finder 60, a function for turning-on/off markerdisplay, and the like. The slide switches 325 and 326 can select soundoutput via a built-in speaker or an earphone with hearing check usingthe two switches. The operational knob 327 is used when adjusting thevolume of sound output via the built-in speaker or the earphone. Theoperational knob 328 is used when adjusting the volume of alarm sound.

Note that the operating unit 32 b positioned on a rear side of the leftside surface of the device main body 30 in FIG. 1 includes anoperational button for dividing a clip, an operational button forswitching counter display, and the like.

<2. Functional Configuration of Imaging Device>

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of theimaging device. The device main body 30 of the imaging device 10includes an imaging unit 301, an image processing unit 302, an audioprocessing unit 303, a codec unit 304, a recording/reproducing unit 305,a lens driving unit 306, a communication unit 307, an audio output unit308, a control unit 310, a power supply unit 315, an operating unit 32,and the like.

The imaging unit 301 includes, e.g., an imaging element such as acomplementary metal-oxide semiconductor device (CMOS) or acharge-coupled device (CCD). The imaging unit 301 photoelectricallyconverts an optical image formed on an imaging surface with the lensunit 20, generates the imaging data, and outputs the data to the imageprocessing unit 302.

The image processing unit 302 performs noise removing processing, gainadjusting processing, and adjusting processing of luminance or color forimage data generated by the imaging unit 301. Further, the imageprocessing unit 302 performs processing for converting the image dataafter the adjusting processing or the image data read by therecording/reproducing unit 305 into image data corresponding to thenumber of pixels of the view finder 60 and processing for superimposingdisplay data such as menu display on the image data. Furthermore, theimage processing unit 302 may perform image processing of a view-finderimage, e.g., processing for enlarging and displaying the central part,or the like so as to easily obtain a desired captured image. The audioprocessing unit 303 amplifies an audio signal generated via themicrophone and performs processing such as analog/digital conversion,thereby generating audio data.

The codec unit 304 performs encoding processing of the image dataprocessed by the image processing unit 302, the audio data processed bythe audio processing unit 303, or the like, and compresses the amount ofdata of the image data or audio data at a data compression ratioinstructed from the control unit 310. The codec unit 304 outputs theimage data or the audio data after the data compression, as the imagingdata, to the recording/reproducing unit 305 or the communication unit307. Further, the codec unit 304 performs decoding processing of theimaging data supplied from the recording/reproducing unit 305, suppliesthe obtained image data to the image processing unit 302 to perform anadjustment of the size, and the like, and outputs the data to the viewfinder 60 so as to allow the user to check the recorded image.Furthermore, the codec unit 304 supplies audio data obtained byperforming the decoding processing to the audio output unit 308, so thatthe recorded sound can be checked by the output from the audio outputunit 308.

The recording/reproducing unit 305 performs processing for recording theimaging data supplied from the codec unit 304 on a recording medium 40,and processing for reading out the imaging data recorded on therecording medium 40 and outputting the data to the codec unit 304 or thecommunication unit 307, on the basis of an instruction from the controlunit 310. Additionally, the recording medium 40 may be a detachablerecording medium, or a recording medium that is provided and fixed inthe device main body 30. Moreover, the imaging data may include asetting state at the imaging time, information for managing the imagingdata, or the like.

The lens driving unit 306 drives the lens unit 20 to set a desiredzooming ratio on the basis of an instruction from the control unit 310.Further, the lens driving unit 306 may perform focus adjustment to set,to have a clear image, an optical image combined on an imaging surfaceof the imaging element in the imaging unit 301.

The communication unit 307 implements connection to a network 90 byusing a wired or wireless communication path. Further, the communicationunit 307 establishes a communication path with a server 95 connected tothe network 90 to enable the reception of control information showing aninstruction, a request, or the like sent from the server 95, thetransfer of the imaging data to the server 95, or the like.

The audio output unit 308 performs digital/analog conversion or the likeof audio data supplied from the audio processing unit 303 or the codecunit 304, generates an audio output signal, and supplies the signal to aspeaker or an audio output terminal, so that sound to be recorded orrecorded sound can be checked.

Although not shown, the control unit 310 includes, e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU), an electrically erasable programmable ROM(EEPROM), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), andthe like. Programs for executing various control processing in thecontrol unit 310 are stored in the ROM of the control unit 310. The CPUworks on the basis of the programs, and executes arithmeticoperation/control processing required for each control by using the RAM.Not only the programs are stored in advance in the ROM included in thecontrol unit 310 but also may be stored in a removable recording mediumand be provided to the device main body 30, or be downloaded to thedevice main body 30 via a network such as a LAN or the Internet.

The control unit 310 controls each of the units to perform workings inresponse to the user operation in the imaging device 10 on the basis ofthe user operation to the operating unit 32. The control unit 310 turnson/off the power of the imaging device 10 on the basis of, e.g., a useroperation to a power switch. Further, the control unit 310 controls thelens driving unit 306 on the basis of the user operation to a zoomingswitch, and changes a focal distance of the lens unit 20 in response tothe user operation. Furthermore, the control unit 310 starts or stopsthe recording of the imaging data on the basis of the user operation toan REC button.

Further, the control unit 310 controls execution of the assignmentfunction with assignment of the function to the operational switch,change of the assigned function, and the user operation to theoperational switch to which a function is assigned. Additionally, asmentioned above, it is possible to assign, to the operational switch towhich the function can be assigned, the function of the communication ofthe imaging data, a stereo/monaural switching function, a clip deletingfunction, an on/off function of an auto-trace white balance working, arec/review function, and the like.

The power supply unit 315 supplies power to each of the units in theimaging device 10 from the battery 80 attached to the device main body30.

The operating unit 32 includes the operational switches of the operatingunits 32 a and 32 b provided to the left side surface of the device mainbody 30, and operational switches provided to the rear surface, the topsurface, the right side surface, or the like of the device main body 30.The operating unit 32 generates an operational signal in response to aswitch operation of the user, and outputs the signal to the control unit310. Further, operational switches that enable the user, as mentionedabove, to assign the function and change the assigned function areprovided to the operating unit 32.

<3. Working of Imaging Device>

Next, operations and workings of the press button switch will bedescribed. The press button switch 321 is a press button switch with anillumination, and includes an operating unit, an illuminating unit, anda tactile switch. The operating unit includes a light-shielding unit 321a having, e.g., a circular operating surface and a circular indicatorunit 321 b provided to the center of the operating surface. Theindicator unit 321 b includes a member through which light istransmitted. The illuminating unit includes a light emitting elementsuch as a light emitting diode (LED). Light emitted from theilluminating unit is externally output via the indicator unit 321 b.Further, with a press operation of the press button switch, anon/off-working of the tactile switch is performed. Furthermore, thecontrol unit switches the working mode of the assignment functionassigned to the press button switch, depending on the press operation ofthe press button switch. In addition, the control unit performs drivingcontrol of the illuminating unit, depending on a functional state, andenables the user to determine what the working mode of the function iswith light output via the indicator unit 321 b.

As mentioned above, the function relating to the communication of theimaging data is assigned to the press button switch 321. Further, as theworking mode of the assignment function, the stop mode, the standbymode, and the executing mode are provided. The stop mode is a mode inwhich power supply to the communication unit that communicates theimaging data is stopped. The standby mode is a mode in which standby isperformed to establish the communication path with the server and enablethe communication of the imaging data or the like by supplying power tothe communication unit. The executing mode is a mode in which theimaging data or the like is communicated with the server.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between the operationof the press button switch and the working mode of the assignmentfunction. As illustrated in (a) of FIG. 5, for example, a switch pressoperation is performed in the stop mode, and in a case where theoperational duration exceeds a preset threshold, that is, in a casewhere a button long-press operation is performed, switching is performedfrom the stop mode to the standby mode. Further, in order to easilycheck the mode of the assignment function, for example, the illuminatingunit is set to an extinguished state in the stop mode, and theilluminating unit is lit with a first color (e.g., orange color) in thestandby mode.

Next, in the standby mode, the switch press operation is performed, in acase where the operational duration is the threshold or less, that is,in a case where the button short-press operation is performed, switchingis performed from the standby mode to the executing mode, and theilluminating unit is lit with a second color (e.g., blue color) in theexecuting mode. Further, in a case where the button long-press operationis performed, switching is performed from the standby mode to the stopmode. In a case where the switch press operation is performed in theexecuting mode, switching is performed from the executing mode to thestandby mode.

Further, there is a case where it takes time to switch the mode,depending on the assignment function. In such a case, the illuminatingunit may be driven so that it can be determined that the mode is beingswitched. For example, in a case where time is required to establish thecommunication path with the server or the like and time from the stopmode to the standby mode is long, in order to enable determination thatthe stop mode is being switched to the standby mode, as illustrated in(b) of FIG. 5, the illuminating unit is flickered with the first color(e.g., orange color). Furthermore, in a case where it takes time thatthe assignment function is switched from the standby mode to the stopmode, in order to enable determination that the standby mode is beingswitched to the stop mode, the illuminating unit is flickered with thefirst color (e.g., orange color).

The function that can be assigned to the press button switch 321 can bechanged. Table 1 illustrates an example of the function that can beassigned to the press button switch 321.

TABLE 1 Assignable function Contents of function First function Clientmode working Second function Auto-upload working Third functionStreaming transfer working Fourth function Editing working

A first function is a function of a so-called client mode working inwhich the imaging data can be subjected to transfer control from thereceiving side of the imaging data. If the function of the client modeworking is in the executing mode, the imaging device 10 accepts a datasending request from the server and transfers the imaging data to theserver. The imaging data to be transferred may be any of data during theimaging and data recorded on a recording medium after completing theimaging, and data that is instructed from the server may be transferred.Further, the imaging device 10 not only accepts the data sending requestfrom the server, but also may accept the control information to make itpossible to designate the amount of delay until, e.g., reception fromthe server. Furthermore, the server may designate a compression ratio ofthe imaging data that is generated during the imaging, the codec unitmay perform encoding processing at the designated compression ratio, andthe communication unit may transfer the imaging data generated by thecodec unit to the server. In addition, the imaging device 10 may adjustthe image quality such as setting of color temperature on the basis ofan instruction from the server with the image processing unit.

A second function is a function for a so-called auto-upload working forautomatically transferring the imaging data. If the function of theauto-upload working is in the executing mode, the imaging device 10automatically transfers the imaging data registered in the transferstandby list to the transfer destination designated in advance by theuser or the like. Further, the imaging device 10 automatically adds afile of the imaging data generated during the imaging to the transferstandby list at the completion time of the imaging, thereby transferringthe generated imaging data to the designated transfer destination.

A third function is a function of a so-called streaming transfer workingin which the imaging data generated during the imaging is sequentiallytransferred. In a case where the function of the streaming transferworking is in the executing mode, the imaging device 10 sequentiallytransfers the imaging data generated during the imaging to the transferdestination designated in advance by the user or the like. That is, ifthe function of the streaming transfer working is set in the executingmode and the imaging is performed, the streaming transfer becomespossible from the imaging start time.

A fourth function is a function of an editing working that enablesediting of the transfer standby list. In a case where the function ofthe editing working is in the executing mode, the imaging device 10displays, e.g., an editing screen of the transfer standby list on theview finder or the like. Referring to the editing screen, addition,deletion, change in order, start or stop of the transfer, or the like,of the imaging data with respect to the transfer standby list can beperformed.

Note that a function that can be assigned to the press button switch isnot limited to any of the four functions illustrated in Table 1, and afunction that is not disclosed in Table 1, e.g., a function of colortemperature adjustment or the like can be assigned and color temperatureaccording to the user's favorite may be registered to be available.Further, a function can be assigned selectively from any plurality offunctions among the four functions illustrated in Table 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of switching of theworking mode of the assignment function. Any one of the assignablefunctions illustrated in Table 1 is assigned to the press button switch321. The assignment function is in the stop mode at the time of thestart of working. Additionally, regarding the assignment of the functionto the press button switch 321, the menu screen is displayed on the viewfinder or the like and an operation is performed in response to thedisplay of the menu screen, thereby enabling the setting or change ofthe function.

In step ST1, the control unit determines whether the button operation isperformed. The control unit 310 determines whether the press buttonswitch 321 is operated. In a case where the control unit 310 determinesthat the press button switch 321 is not operated, the flow returns tostep ST1. In a case where the control unit 310 determines that the pressoperation thereof is performed, the flow advances to step ST2.

In step ST2, the control unit determines whether the operation is thelong-press operation. In a case where the operational duration of thepress operation to the press button switch 321 exceeds the threshold,the control unit 310 determines that the long-press operation isperformed, and the flow advances to step ST3. Further, in a case wherethe press operation ends before the operational duration exceeds thethreshold, the control unit 310 determines that the long-press operationis not performed and the flow returns to step ST1.

In step ST3, the control unit performs switching to the standby mode.The control unit 310 switches the assignment function from the stop modeto the standby mode. The control unit 310 starts to supply power to thecommunication unit 307. Further, the control unit 310 establishes thecommunication path with the server 95 to set a state in which thecommunication with the server 95 can be performed quickly, and the flowadvances to step ST4.

In step ST4, the control unit lights the button with the first color.The control unit 310 lights the illuminating unit of the press buttonswitch 321 with the first color with switching from the stop mode to thestandby mode, and the flow advances to step ST5.

In step ST5, the control unit determines whether the button operation isperformed. The control unit 310 determines whether the press buttonswitch 321 is operated. In a case where the control unit 310 determinesthat the press button switch 321 is not operated, the flow returns tostep ST5. In a case where the control unit 310 determines that the pressoperation thereof is performed, the flow advances to step ST6.

In step ST6, the control unit determines whether the operation is theshort-press operation. In a case where the press operation to the pressbutton switch 321 ends before the operational duration exceeds thethreshold, the control unit 310 determines that the short-pressoperation is performed and the flow advances to step ST7. Further, in acase where the operational duration exceeds the threshold, the controlunit 310 determines that the operation is not the short-press operationbut the long-press operation is performed, and the flow advances to stepST25. That is, in a case where the user performs the short-pressoperation in order to switch the assignment function from the standbymode to the executing mode, the control unit 310 performs control sothat the flow advances to step ST7. In a case where the user performsthe long-press operation in order to return the assignment function fromthe standby mode to the stop mode, the control unit 310 performs controlso that the flow advances to step ST25.

In step ST7, the control unit determines whether the assignment functionis the first function. In a case where the assignment function of thepress button switch 321 is the first function (client mode working), thecontrol unit 310 performs control so that the flow advances to step ST8.In a case where the assignment function of the press button switch 321is not the first function, the control unit 310 performs control so thatthe flow advances to step ST11.

In step ST8, the control unit starts the client mode working. Thecontrol unit 310 switches the assignment function from the standby modeto the executing mode, starts the client mode working enabling thetransfer control of the imaging data from the receiving side of theimaging data, and the flow advances to step ST9.

In step ST9, the control unit lights the button with the second color.The control unit 310 lights the illuminating unit of the press buttonswitch 321 with the second color with switching from the standby mode tothe executing mode, and the flow advances to step ST10.

In step ST10, the control unit determines whether the button operationis performed. The control unit 310 determines whether the press buttonswitch 321 is operated. In a case where the control unit 310 determinesthat the press button switch 321 is not operated, the flow returns tostep ST10. In a case where the control unit 310 determines that thepress operation thereof is performed, the flow advances to step ST22.

Advancing from step ST7 to step ST11, in step ST11, the control unitdetermines whether the assignment function is the second function. In acase where the assignment function of the press button switch 321 is thesecond function (auto-upload working), the control unit 310 performscontrol so that the flow advances to step ST12. In a case where theassignment function of the press button switch 321 is not the secondfunction, the control unit 310 performs control so that the flowadvances to step ST15.

In step ST12, the control unit lights the button with the second color.The control unit 310 lights the illuminating unit of the press buttonswitch 321 with the second color with switching operation from thestandby mode to the executing mode, and the flow advances to step ST13.

In step ST13, the control unit starts the auto-upload working. Thecontrol unit 310 switches the assignment function from the standby modeto the executing mode and starts the auto-upload working forautomatically transferring the imaging data, and the flow advances tostep ST14.

In step ST14, the control unit determines whether the button operationis performed. The control unit 310 determines whether the press buttonswitch 321 is operated. In a case where the control unit 310 determinesthat the press button switch 321 is not operated, the flow returns tostep ST14. In a case where the control unit 310 determines that thepress operation thereof is performed, the flow advances to step ST22.

Advancing from step ST11 to step ST15, in step ST15, the control unitdetermines whether the assignment function is the third function. In acase where the assignment function of the press button switch 321 is thethird function (streaming transfer working), the control unit 310performs control so that the flow advances to step ST16. In a case wherethe assignment function of the press button switch 321 is not the thirdfunction, that is, the fourth function (editing working), the controlunit 310 performs control so that the flow advances to step ST19.

In step ST16, the control unit lights the button with the second color.The control unit 310 lights the illuminating unit of the press buttonswitch 321 with the second color with switching operation from thestandby mode to the executing mode, and the flow advances to step ST17.

In step ST17, the control unit starts the streaming transfer working.The control unit 310 switches the assignment function from the standbymode to the executing mode and starts the streaming transfer working forsequentially transferring the imaging data that is generated during theimaging, and the flow advances to step ST18.

In step ST18, the control unit determines whether the button operationis performed. The control unit 310 determines whether the press buttonswitch 321 is operated. In a case where the control unit 310 determinesthat the press button switch 321 is not operated, the flow returns tostep ST18. In a case where the control unit 310 determines that thepress operation thereof is performed, the flow advances to step ST22.

In step ST19, the control unit starts the editing working. The controlunit 310 switches the assignment function from the standby mode to theexecuting mode and starts the editing working for editing the transferstandby list, and the flow advances to step ST20.

In step ST20, the control unit lights the button with the second colorif there is the transfer standby file. In a case where there is anon-transferred file in the transfer standby list, the control unit 310lights the illuminating unit of the press button switch 321 with thesecond color, and the flow advances to step ST21.

In step ST21, the control unit determines whether the button operationis performed. The control unit 310 determines whether the press buttonswitch 321 is operated. In a case where the control unit 310 determinesthat the press button switch 321 is not operated, the flow returns tostep ST21. In a case where the control unit 310 determines that thepress operation thereof is performed, the flow advances to step ST22.

In step ST22, the control unit performs switching to the standby mode.The press button switch 321 is operated in the executing mode and thecontrol unit 310 thus switches the assignment function from theexecuting mode to the standby mode, and the flow advances to step ST23.

In step ST23, the control unit determines whether the button operationis performed. The control unit 310 determines whether the press buttonswitch 321 is operated. In a case where the control unit 310 determinesthat the press button switch 321 is not operated, the flow returns tostep ST23. In a case where the control unit 310 determines that thepress operation thereof is performed, the flow advances to step ST24.

In step ST24, the control unit determines whether the operation is thelong-press operation. In a case where the operational duration of thepress operation to the press button switch 321 exceeds the threshold,the control unit 310 determines that the long-press operation isperformed, and the flow advances to step ST25. Further, in a case wherethe press operation ends before the operational duration exceeds thethreshold, the control unit 310 determines that the short-pressoperation is performed and the flow returns to step ST7. That is, in acase where the user performs the short-press operation in order toswitch the assignment function from the standby mode to the executingmode, the control unit 310 performs control so that the flow advances tostep ST7. In a case where the user performs the long-press operation inorder to return the assignment function from the standby mode to thestop mode, the control unit 310 performs control so that the flowadvances to step ST25.

In step ST25, the control unit performs the switching to the stop mode.The control unit 310 switches the assignment function from the standbymode to the stop mode. The control unit 310 stops the power supply tothe communication unit 307 and the flow returns to step ST1.

Note that the working of the imaging device 10 is not limited to theflowchart illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, the determination of theassignment function may be performed in another order. Further, in acase where it is determined that the long-press working is performed instep ST2, it may be determined which of the first function to the fourthfunction the assignment function is, the determined function may beswitched to the standby mode. In this case, with the short-pressoperation when the determined function is in the standby mode, thefunction is switched from the standby mode to the executing mode.Furthermore, regarding the change of the assignment function of thepress button switch 321, the change may be performed not only in a casewhere the assignment function is in the stop mode but also in thestandby mode.

With the present technology as described above, in a case where thefunction relating to the communication of the imaging data that isassigned to the press button switch 321 is in the stop mode, the powersupply to the communication unit for transferring the imaging data isstopped. Therefore, in a case where the imaging data does not need to betransferred, power consumption can be prevented in a functional blockfor transferring the imaging data, and a long-time working is possiblein battery driving. Further, the press button switch to which thefunction relating to the communication of the imaging data is assignedis provided to the area of the side surface of the device main body thatenters the field-of-view of the user in response to the removal of theuser's eye from the view finder. Therefore, the user can visuallyrecognize the press button switch with ease. For example, withoutperforming the operation or the like for displaying the menu screen onthe view finder or the like and instructing the transfer of the imagingdata, it is possible to easily transfer the imaging data. Furthermore,the mode of the assignment function is shown with the illumination ofthe press button switch 321. Therefore, the user can easily check inwhich mode the assignment function is with the indicator unit 321 b ofthe press button switch 321.

Note that, in the above-described embodiments, the case is shown as anexample in which the operational switch to which the function relatingto the communication of the imaging data is assigned is the press buttonswitch. However, the operational switch is not limited to the pressbutton switch. For example, by using an auto-return-type slide switch towhich an elastic member to return an operating member to the initialposition is provided, the standby mode may be switched to the stop modeor the executing mode, depending on the operational duration of a slideoperation. Further, the working of the illuminating unit correspondingto the working mode of the assignment function is an example, and theillumination may be performed with a different color and differentdriving may be performed depending on the working mode. Furthermore, theuser may be able to determine the working mode by using a methoddifferent from the illumination, for example, a different display methodor sound, or the like.

A series of processing described herein can be executed by hardware,software, or the combination thereof. In a case of executing theprocessing by the software, the processing can be executed by installingthe program in which the processing sequence is recorded in the memoryof the computer embedded in the dedicated hardware, or can be executedby installing the program in the general-purpose computer that canexecute various processing.

For example, the program can be recorded on a hard disk, a solid statedrive (SSD) or read only memory (ROM) as a recording medium in advance.Alternatively, the program can be temporarily or permanently stored(recorded) in (on) a removable recording medium such as a flexible disk,a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), Magneto Optical (MO) disk, adigital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-Ray Disc (registered trademark)(BD), a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory card. Such a removablerecording medium can be provided as so-called package software.

In addition, the program can be, not only installed on a computer from aremovable recording medium, but also transferred wirelessly or by wireto the computer from a download site via a network such as a LAN (LocalArea Network) or the Internet. In such a computer, a program transferredin the aforementioned manner can be received and installed on arecording medium such as built-in hardware.

Note that the effects described in the present specification are merelyexamples, not limitative; and additional effects that are not describedmay be exhibited. Furthermore, the present technology is not interpretedas being limited to the above-described embodiments of the technology.The embodiments of the technology disclose the present technology in theform of exemplification, and it is obvious that a person skilled in theart can make modification or substitution of the embodiments withoutdeparting from the gist of the present technology. In other words, inorder to determine the gist of the present technology, the claims shouldbe considered.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

(1)

An imaging device including:

an operational switch, to which a function relating to communication ofimaging data is assigned, that is configured to switch a working mode ofan assigned assignment function;

a communication unit that communicates the imaging data; and

a control unit that switches the assignment function among a stop modein which power supply to the communication unit is stopped, a standbymode in which standby is performed to enable the communication of theimaging data by supplying power to the communication unit, and anexecuting mode in which the imaging data is communicated, depending onoperational duration of the operational switch.

(2)

The imaging device according to (1), in which

when the operational duration of the operational switch exceeds a presetthreshold, the control unit switches the assignment function between thestop mode and the standby mode, and when the operational duration is thethreshold or less in the standby mode, the control unit performsswitching from the standby mode to the executing mode, and performsswitching from the executing mode to the standby mode, depending on anoperation of the operational switch in the executing mode.

(3)

The imaging device according to (1) or (2), in which

the assignment function of the operational switch is changeable.

(4)

The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (3), in which

a function that is assignable to the operational switch is a functionfor accepting communication function control from a receiving side ofthe imaging data.

(5)

The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (4), in which

a function that is assignable to the operational switch is a transferprocessing function of imaging data that is generated at end time ofimaging.

(6)

The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (5), in which

a function that is assignable to the operational switch is a streamingtransfer function of the imaging data.

(7)

The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (6), in which

a function that is assignable to the operational switch is an editingfunction for editing a list showing the imaging data as a transfercandidate in place of the communication of the imaging data.

(8)

The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (7), in which

an illuminating unit is provided to the operational switch, and

the control unit controls the illuminating unit to switch illuminationof the operational switch depending on the mode of the assignmentfunction.

(9)

The imaging device according to (8), in which

the control unit extinguishes the illumination in a case of the stopmode, performs the illumination with a first color in a case of thestandby mode, and performs the illumination with a second colordifferent from the first color in a case of the executing mode.

(10)

The imaging device according to (8) or (9), in which

the control unit lights the illumination in the standby mode and theexecuting mode, and flickers the illumination during mode switchingbetween the stop mode and the standby mode.

(11)

The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (10), in which theoperational switch is provided to an area of a side surface of a devicemain body that enters a field-of-view of a user in response to removalof an eye of the user from a view finder.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

With the imaging device, the control method therefor, and the programaccording to this technology, the function relating to the communicationof the imaging data is assigned to the operational switch. Further, theworking mode of the assigned assignment function is switched among thestop mode in which the power supply to the communication unit thatcommunicates the imaging data is stopped, the standby mode in whichstandby is performed to enable the communication of the imaging data bysupplying power to the communication unit, and the executing mode inwhich the imaging data is communicated, depending on the operationalduration of the operational switch. Therefore, in a case where theimaging data is not communicated, the working mode of the assignmentfunction is set to the stop mode, thereby realizing the power saving.Further, the working mode of the assignment function can be switcheddepending on the operational duration of the operational switch, whichimproves the operability of the imaging device. Therefore, it issuitable to the imaging device used for a system that obtains theimaging data via the network and creates video contents or the like.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   10 imaging device-   20 lens unit-   30 device main body-   32, 32 a, 32 b operating unit-   33 handle unit-   40 recording medium-   60 view finder-   61 eye cup-   70 microphone-   80 battery-   90 network-   95 server-   301 imaging unit-   302 image processing unit-   303 audio processing unit-   304 codec unit-   305 recording/reproducing unit-   306 lens driving unit-   307 communication unit-   308 audio output unit-   310 control unit-   315 power supply unit-   321, 322, 324 press button switch-   321 a light-shielding unit-   321 b indicator unit-   323, 325, 326 slide switch-   327, 328 operational knob

1. An imaging device, comprising: an imager configured to generateimaging data; an operational switch, wherein a first operation of theoperational switch is associated with a wireless communication of theimaging data, and a streaming transfer function of the imaging data isassignable to the operational switch; a communication interfaceconfigured to wirelessly communicate the imaging data; and a controlunit configured to control the wireless communication of the imagingdata based on the first operation of the operational switch.
 2. Theimaging device according to claim 1, wherein the operational switch isfurther configured to accept communication function control from areceiving side of the imaging data based on a function that isassignable to the operational switch.
 3. The imaging device according toclaim 1, wherein an editing function is assignable to the operationalswitch, and the control unit is further configured to edit, based on theediting function, a list that indicates the imaging data as a transfercandidate.
 4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein thecontrol unit is further configured to: switch a working mode of anassignment function of the operational switch among a stop mode, astandby mode, and an executing mode based on an operational duration ofthe operational switch; and control the wireless communication of theimaging data based on the switch of the working mode.
 5. The imagingdevice according to claim 4, wherein the assignment function of theoperational switch is changeable.
 6. The imaging device according toclaim 4, wherein the control unit is further configured to: enable thewireless communication of the imaging data in the standby mode based ona supply of power to the communication interface; stop the supply of thepower to the communication interface in the stop mode; and control thewireless communication of the imaging data in the executing mode.
 7. Theimaging device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit is furtherconfigured to: switch from the standby mode to the executing mode basedon the operational duration in the standby mode that is equal to or lessthan a threshold duration; and switch from the executing mode to thestandby mode based on a second operation of the operational switch inthe executing mode.
 8. The imaging device according to claim 4, whereinthe operational switch includes an illuminating unit, and the controlunit is further configured to control, based on the working mode of theassignment function, the illuminating unit to illuminate the operationalswitch.
 9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the controlunit is further configured to control the illuminating unit to:extinguish the illumination of the operational switch in the stop mode;illuminate the operational switch with a first color in the standbymode; and illuminate the operational switch with a second colordifferent from the first color in the executing mode.
 10. The imagingdevice according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is furtherconfigured to control the illuminating unit to flicker the illuminationbased on a switch of the working mode between the stop mode and thestandby mode.
 11. A method, comprising: in an imaging device thatcomprises an imager, an operational switch, a communication interface,and a control unit: generating, by the imager, imaging data, wherein afirst operation of the operational switch is associated with a wirelesscommunication of the imaging data, and a streaming transfer function ofthe imaging data is assignable to the operational switch; wirelesslycommunicating, by the communication interface, the imaging data; andcontrolling, by the control unit, the wireless communication of theimaging data based on the first operation of the operational switch. 12.The method according to claim 11, further comprising accepting, by theoperational switch, communication function control from a receiving sideof the imaging data based on a function that is assignable to theoperational switch.
 13. The method according to claim 11, furthercomprising: switching, by the control unit, a working mode of anassignment function of the operational switch among a stop mode, astandby mode, and an executing mode based on an operational duration ofthe operational switch; and controlling, by the control unit, thewireless communication of the imaging data based on the switching of theworking mode.
 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:enabling, by the control unit, the wireless communication of the imagingdata in the standby mode based on a supply of power to the communicationinterface; stopping, by the control unit, the supply of the power to thecommunication interface in the stop mode; and controlling, by thecontrol unit, the wireless communication of the imaging data in theexecuting mode.
 15. The method according to claim 13, furthercomprising: switching, by the control unit, the standby mode to theexecuting mode based on the operational duration in the standby modethat is equal to or less than a threshold duration; and switching, bythe control unit, the executing mode to the standby mode based on asecond operation of the operational switch in the executing mode. 16.The method according to claim 13, wherein the operational switchincludes an illuminating unit, the method further comprises controlling,by the control unit, the illuminating unit to illuminate the operationalswitch, and the control of the illuminating unit is based on the workingmode of the assignment function.
 17. The method according to claim 16,further comprising controlling, by the control unit, the illuminatingunit to: extinguish the illumination of the operational switch in thestop mode; illuminate the operational switch with a first color in thestandby mode; and illuminate the operational switch with a second colordifferent from the first color in the executing mode.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 16, further comprising controlling, by the controlunit, the illuminating unit to flicker the illumination based on aswitch of the working mode between the stop mode and the standby mode.